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Public Health Investigating Unprecedented Cluster of Locally Acquired Dengue Cases

County of Los Angeles, California sent this bulletin at 09/18/2024 11:10 AM PDT

For Immediate Release:

September 18, 2024

Public Health Investigating Unprecedented Cluster of

Locally Acquired Dengue Cases

Residents urged to take steps to prevent ongoing transmission

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating two additional cases of locally acquired dengue in residents of the City of Baldwin Park. These residents have no history of travel to areas where dengue is endemic prior to their symptoms. This now brings the total number of cases of locally acquired dengue in LA County in 2024 to three, which is an unprecedented number of locally transmitted cases for a region where dengue has not previously been transmitted by mosquitoes. Public Health initially reported a confirmed case of locally acquired dengue on September 9, 2024.

Dengue is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Although Aedes mosquitoes are common in LA County, cases of locally acquired dengue are extremely rare. Almost all previously reported dengue cases in LA County have been associated with travel to a country where dengue is commonly spread.

These additional cases of local virus transmission are a stark reminder for all Los Angeles County residents that simple steps to prevent mosquito breeding and mosquito bites can lower the risk of mosquito-borne diseases and prevent more sustained transmission in the future.

Dengue fever can cause flu-like symptoms including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Severe cases can result in shock, severe bleeding and severe organ impairment which require immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of dengue may mimic other viruses so healthcare providers should be vigilant for dengue fever in patients with acute febrile illness and test for and report suspect cases of mosquito-borne diseases. Providers should also routinely discuss mosquito bite prevention with patients and travelers.

“Reducing exposure to mosquitoes and the risk for mosquito bites are crucial to preventing transmission of mosquito-borne disease, including dengue fever,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “This can be as simple as using insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites, eliminating any standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed, and keeping your home mosquito-free by using or fixing screens on your doors and windows. These straightforward measures can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease for both you and your neighbors."

"Ensuring the health and safety of our community is our top priority," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, First District. "The recent discovery of dengue cases in Baldwin Park underscores the need for vigilance and proactive measures. My office is coordinating closely with our Department of Public Health to expand immediate preventative strategies. I am committed to keeping residents informed, and will continue to work tirelessly to safeguard the well-being of our families.”

"The City of Baldwin Park is aware of the recent cases of locally acquired dengue in our community. While the risk of transmission remains low, we must take this situation seriously and act proactively," said Mayor Emmanuel J. Estrada, who serves as a trustee representing Baldwin Park on the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District board." As part of the vector control district, our City is working closely with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to monitor the situation and implement necessary control measures. The City will continue to update the community throughout this process. In the meantime, we urge all residents to use EPA-registered insect repellent, eliminate standing water around your homes and ensure your window and door screens are in good condition. Let's demonstrate the strength of the Baldwin Park community by working together to protect our community and limit the spread of dengue."

Public Health is working with local vector control agencies, the City of Baldwin Park and Public Health outreach teams to provide door-to-door information on dengue risk and mosquito bite prevention and control measures in the local area. The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has increased mosquito trapping for identification and testing and abatement operations to reduce the risk of additional spread in the affected neighborhood.

“The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District's efforts are ongoing and include aggressive mosquito control, enhanced surveillance, and active engagement with the community.” said District Manager Jason Farned. “Meanwhile, residents are urged to do two things, eliminate standing water from their own properties and protect themselves from mosquito bites.”

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District reminds residents that mosquitoes breed in standing water and urge everyone to follow these simple steps: Tip, Toss, and Protect:

Tip out standing water at least every week. Even a small amount, like in a bottle cap, can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Toss any unused containers that can collect water.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites by using repellents containing EPA-approved active ingredients, such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Cases of locally acquired dengue were previously confirmed by Long Beach and Pasadena in fall 2023.

About Dengue

Dengue is a disease caused by a virus that spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. Dengue is common in tropical and subtropical regions such as the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico), Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific islands. Because the types of mosquitoes that spread dengue are common throughout many areas of the United States, local spread of dengue can occur. However, dengue is not commonly spread by mosquitoes in LA County. Most cases in LA County have been identified among those who have traveled to areas where dengue commonly occurs.

Symptoms of dengue typically last two to seven days. Most people will recover after about a week. About one in twenty people with dengue can develop severe disease which can be life threatening.

The most common symptoms of dengue are fever and one or more of the following:

Eye pain
Headache
Muscle, bone or joint pain
Nausea or vomiting
Rash

There are no specific medicines to treat dengue. There are supportive medicines to help with fever and pain. There is a vaccine for dengue, but it is NOT approved for use in U.S. travelers who are visiting but not living in an area where dengue is common.

For more information, visit: publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/VectorDengue.htm

For questions or to find a nearby clinic or doctor, call the Public Health InfoLine at 1-833-540-0473, open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well -being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises of more than 5,000 employees and has an annual budget of $1.3 billion.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health works to protect health,
prevent disease, and promote health and well-being.

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